Between Altkirch and Wittersdorf

The starting point is on the hills above Altkirch, on the Roggenberg side. At the edge of the forest, there is a large car park to the right of the large oak tree. There is a table here, and this is the starting point of the fitness trail.
For those arriving by train, see Practical Information.

(S/E) With your back to the car park, turn right onto the wide, stony path that climbs gently between the two woods, following the Red Diamond and Blue Diamond markers towards Hirsingue. Continue to the top of the path, to the junction (tarmac road opposite).

(1) Turn right into the forest (large boulder at the path entrance), following the Yellow Ring markings. You’ll reach a Y-junction by the small pond with an information board.

(2) Turn left, following the Red Cross markings, towards Hirsingue. Then, 100 m further on, after the bend, take the wide path on the left (unmarked), leaving the “Hirsingue via Wuestweiher” path (Red Cross) on your right.
Please note: the path can be very muddy for 300 m in wet weather (you may walk through the undergrowth instead of on the path). Ignore the paths on the right and continue to the tarmac road.

(3) Cross the road and follow the path that climbs gently through the middle of the forest; this is not very well marked. Pass under the high-voltage power lines to rejoin the path on the other side, slightly higher up. After a long bend to the left, it emerges from the forest near the electricity substation. Continue straight on to the junction.

(4) Cross it and take the wide path opposite. Follow the Red Disc markings. Pass under the high-voltage power lines and continue through the forest, heading north-east. Cross a wide track and keep going until you reach the junction with another wide track.

(5) Turn left (north-west), ignore the paths branching off to the left, and continue in the same direction until you reach the small pond with benches (on your right). Continue to the road (Rue de Hirsingue).

(6) Take the road to the left for about 150 m, then turn onto a country lane to the right (Red Ring). Continue due north; further on, near a bench between two trees, enjoy a lovely view of Wittersdorf and its bell tower. Continue to a T-junction.

(7) Turn left towards Altkirch, following the Blue Diamond and Red Triangle markings until you reach a Fork in the road.

(8) Turn left, heading gently uphill through the forest (Red Triangle), and pass the Saint-Morand Chapel on your right (see “During the walk or nearby”).

(9) At the four-way junction (with a blockhouse above), turn left. After a wide bend to the left and then to the right, the path heads south and joins a country lane.
(10) Follow it to the right as far as the Altkirch water reservoir (1960). At this point, do not head back down towards Altkirch; instead, turn left to reach the forest entrance and the car park by the large oak tree (S/E).
Admire Wittersdorf on your left and the magnificent oak tree opposite.

Understanding the Club Vosgien trail markings.

Part of the sloping path may be a little slippery after a spell of rain (over approximately 300 m between (2) and (3))

Starting from the station: for those arriving by train, start the walk at (8). Allow for a round trip of approximately 3 km from the station to (8).

(8) On the right, you will see the Saint Morand Chapel, situated next to Altkirch Hospital; this is a very pretty chapel which can be visited with a guide by booking an appointment at the Tourist Office.